Q+A: Music Vagabond

Hey it’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for our weekly blogger Q+A session. This week we talk to Jessica Page of Music Vagabond. We touch on what music she’s been into in 2011, as well as advice for up & coming bloggers.

When, How & Why did you start Music Vagabond?

I believe I started Music Vagabond in November of 2009. That would make it nearly two years ago. I started MV because my best friend from college had moved to Colorado. We had always been really in to music and had seen numerous live shows together throughout college. I was bummed that she was living so far away and I also had time to kill because I was working part time. So I shot her an e-mail and asked her if she would like to start-up a music blog. I also contacted a few of my friends that lived around the country to see if they would be interested and then we went from there.

What albums/artists/songs have been in your heavy rotation this year?

Personally, I’ve been listening to EMA, Tune-Yards, Antlers, Mutual Benefit, Atlas Sound, Wild Flag, Holy Oak, Made In Heights, ASAP Rocky, The Kills, Gross Magic, Gary Clark Jr., White Denim, Pearl and The Beard, Active Child, Shabazz Places, Braids, The Weeknd and many more, but that’s what I can think of off the top of my head.

What does Music Vagabond do to separate itself from other music blogs?

We have a lot of writers with varying tastes from around the country that contribute regularly. That makes for great blend of genres. Just when I think I’ve heard it all one of our writers throws me a curve ball. We also do a yearly anniversary party with our friends over at The Pantry Party which is a non-profit that gives back to local food pantries. For every can of food you bring to the event you get a dollar off your admission.

How does a new artist catch your ear?

I have my ear to the ground, but I get a lot of submissions and I’m always tweeting with other bloggers. I’ve been using ex.fm since it was in beta to help with the discovering process. I now work there so it may seem like a plug, but really it’s the best discovery tool I have every come across.

Do you have any advice for any aspiring bloggers looking to set themselves from the pack?

Stay true to what you like. Don’t blog about artists because everyone else is too. If you’re really passionate about it then put yourself out there. Go meet bands and talk to other bloggers in real life. You never know what it will lead to. Everyone can write a blog, but it’s always nice to put a face and personality to the name.